We're wrapping up 2025 with a big, bookish bow! In this year-end celebration, Joe is joined by Carmen, Cece, Jananie K. Velu, Kayla, and Meara as everyone brings two of their favorite reads of the entire year. From unforgettable characters to gasp-worthy plots, these are the books that rose straight to the top of our 2025 lists.   Whether you're building your 2026 TBR or reliving your favorite reads of the year, settle in — this is the coziest way to close out the season.    ✨ Don’t forget to take our podcast survey!  Running now through January 5. We want to hear from you!  Survey link: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8564187/2025-Book-Lounge-Listener-Survey   Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Guest host recommendations:  Carmen  Poppy State: A Labyrinth of Plants and a Story of Beginnings - Myriam Gurba  The Possession of Alba Diaz - Isabel Canas  Cece  Listen to Your Sister – Neena Viel  The Luis Ortega Survival Club – Sonora Reyes  Jananie  Dust Settles North – Deena ElGenaidi  Immaculate Conception – Ling Ling Huang  Kayla  Julie Chan is Dead- Liann Zhang  The Compound- Aisling Rawle  Meara  Girl Dinner – Olivie Blake  Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng - Kylie Lee Baker  Joe   When the Wolf Comes Home – Nat Cassidy   Victorian Psycho – Virginia Feito  Hungerstone – Kat Dunn   Follow the guests & guest hosts:   Carmen – link  Cece - link  Jananie K. Velu – link  Kayla - link  Meara – link   Time stamps:  00:00:00 Title  00:01:07 Intro  00:03:54 Best Reads of 2025  00:03:22 The Summer Book on KANOPY  00:31:52 Best Reads of 2025  01:03:01 Outro  Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode!  Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!  We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!   Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices